John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
